US FDA removes coconut from allergen listing

MANILA, Philippines — The US Food and Drug Administration has excluded coconut from its list of tree nuts that are considered major food allergens, which pose a risk to human health.

This exclusion from the US FDA’s food allergen guidance is deemed a victory for Philippine coconut, as this milestone is expected to boost the demand for and innovation in coconut-derived goods.

In a statement, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said the latest development would not only ease trade challenges for coconut-based products in the US market but also significantly boost the coconut sector.

READ: Robust coconut business seen in 2025

“For the industry, this marks the lifting of a ‘labeling stigma’ that has long hindered the market potential of coconut-based products,” the PCA said.

“Brands and manufacturers can now market coconut items without the burden of misclassification that has long stifled consumer confidence and international trade, potentially leading to increased demand and innovation in coconut-derived goods,” it added.

The US federal agency’s guidance, titled “Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5),” states that coconut is excluded from the list of tree nuts considered major food allergens, the presence of which must be indicated in food labels.

Per the US FDA, those on the list are almond, black walnut, Brazil nut, California walnut, cashew, filbert/hazelnut, heartnut/Japanese walnut, macadamia nut/bush nut, pecan, pine nut/pinon nut, pistachio and walnut (English and Persian).

“Because other tree nuts .... do not have a robust body of evidence to support inclusion as a major food allergen, they should not be included in the ‘Contains’ statement even if they are used as ingredients because the ‘Contains’ statement is reserved for major food allergens,” the document read.

The PCA signified its commitment to harnessing this momentum, ensuring that every Filipino coconut farmer, processor and entrepreneur would benefit from this milestone.

(2025/01/22-02:08)